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Finding Strength in Community: Mount Forest Tai Chi Reflections
Finding Strength in Community: Mount Forest Tai Chi Reflections
By Nelda Rodillo, Founder of Vintage Vitality™
Last Fall, I had the joy of teaching a 6-week Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention series in Mount Forest. The classes were so popular that I had to split the group into two sessions—Mondays and Thursdays—because the space was tight. The energy was always beautiful. Many students arrived 30 minutes early to practice, showing their focus, dedication, and love for mindful movement.
Our last session on November 24 was especially poignant—it was my first class after the passing of my beloved dog, Chazzie, on November 21. My heart was heavy, my eyes swollen from crying, and I didn’t feel like going to class. But I also didn’t want to let my students down. My husband and daughter accompanied me, and my daughter captured a few photos of the session.
Even in my grief, the energy of the room was grounding. My students were supportive beyond words. Some offered quiet encouragement; some reminded me that the heaviness would ease over time. The shared presence, the slow, mindful movements, and the steady rhythm of Tai Chi became my anchor that day—like a warm embrace from my late father and my mother, who is far away.
When I returned home, I poured my heart into my journal. I have been journaling for years, and it continues to be a daily practice—a way to process my emotions and even speak to my beloved dog. These reflective moments, combined with Tai Chi, help me stay anchored, mindful, and connected, even during the most difficult times.
Tai Chi, journaling, and community are the foundation of my philosophy, Vintage Vitality™: a holistic approach to aging with dignity and grace. It’s about connection—with our bodies, our breath, our energy, and the people around us—and creating a supportive environment where movement and mindfulness meet heart and community.
I am deeply grateful for my students in Mount Forest, whose dedication, warmth, and understanding made even the heaviest day feel lighter. That day reminded me that community, mindful movement, and self-reflection are among the most powerful forms of support we can give and receive.
Even in the midst of life’s sadness, Vintage Vitality™ reminds us that gentle movement, journaling, and shared presence offer an anchor, a moment of calm, and a path to resilience and grace.
In small towns, wellness is not just movement — it’s the way we show up for one another. Even in grief, community becomes a steady hand, a shared breath, a reminder that we are not alone.
To learn more about how Vintage Vitality™ philosophy began, why it’s close to my heart, and the passion that drives my teaching, you can read The Heart Behind Vintage Vitality™ blog here.
You can also explore all my related writings and reflections on gentle movement and mindful living in Vintage Vitality™ Philosophy & Blogs.
About the Author
About the Author
Nelda Rodillo is a Certified Instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (YTT-200). She is the founder of Vintage Vitality™, a philosophy and practice dedicated to helping adults 50+ move mindfully, age gracefully, and live with strength, creativity, and purpose. Through her work in long-term care and community programs, Nelda inspires individuals to embrace movement, mindfulness, and joyful connection at every stage of life.
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